How to Get Skunk Smell Out of Carpet

Corey M. Mackenzie

About the Author:

Corey M. Mackenzie

Corey M. Mackenzie has been a professional freelance writer for more than two decades. She received a B.A. with honors from Wichita State University. Corey specializes in writing about pets, interior decorating, health care, gardening, fashion, relationships, home improvement and forensic science. Corey's articles have appeared in Garden Guides, Travels and other websites.

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Skunk smell is notoriously strong and difficult to remove. There are different ways the smell can invade your carpet — your pet may get sprayed and wander back into the home, exposing everything in its path to the odor, or you may be unlucky enough to have the skunk itself wander into your house or vehicle. No matter the situation, there is hope. Some of the same ingredients that can neutralize the odor on your pet's fur also neutralize the odor on carpet.

Things You'll Need

1 qt. 3 percent hydrogen peroxide

1/4 cup baking soda

1 tsp. dish soap

Bowl

Rubber gloves

Brush

Paper towels

Sponge

Water

1 cup borax

2 cups cornmeal

Vacuum

Baking soda

White Carpet

Step 1

Mix 1 qt. of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, a quarter cup of baking soda and 1 tsp. of dish soap in a bowl, as suggested by AA Animal Control for neutralizing skunk odors on people or pets.

Step 2

Put on rubber gloves. Spread this mixture on the carpeted area that has the odor. Rub it in gently with a brush and allow it to sit for a few minutes to neutralize the odor.

Step 3

Remove as much of the mixture as you can, using paper towels to pick it off the carpet.

Step 4

Dampen a sponge in cool water and wipe over the carpet to dilute more of the mixture, making it easier to remove. Blot with paper towels and let it air-dry.

Colored Carpet

Step 1

Mix 1 cup of borax and 2 cups of cornmeal in a bowl. Apply this to the area that needs to be deodorized, as suggested by Michigan State University Extension. Note that if the skunk smell is over an area larger than about a foot square, you need to use more of this formula.

Step 2

Let the mixture stand at least an hour before vacuuming it up.

Step 3

Reapply the borax and cornmeal mixture and allow it to stand overnight if the odor is still there. Alternatively, use baking soda, applied directly to the carpet.